BMW M3 (E30): PH Carpool
For a man with a thing for old BMWs an E30 M3 was a long-held dream, one he's now living
Car: BMW M3 (E30)
Owned since: "Placed a deposit September 2013 and finally collected from Ireland in May 2014."
Previously owned: "Pretty much every model of BMW from the 70s and 80s, except the M1. WI currently own a 1971 BMW 2002 and a 1982 BMW 316, with 2.8 conversion, independent throttle bodies, etc."
M3 a welcome addition to a BMW mad household
"I bought the M3 as it's a car I lusted after in its heyday. I remember seeing the footage of Patrick Snijers on the Manx and hearing the sound that engine made. Even before I was able to appreciate the mechanical stuff, who didn't lust after those boxed arches? I saw one leaving Silverstone and it was obvious that it was built to do one thing. Go fast!
"I used to dream about having my own caged and track focused E30 M3, and worked my way up through the various lesser models. When I spotted this car it was actually for sale in Ireland and the list of modifications matched what I would have done myself. I'd been fortunate enough to make a little money selling another M3 to Chris Harris, but it was when the seller agreed to give me time to raise the rest that I knew it would be mine. I actually owe it to my partner Claire, as she was the one who made it possible. She has her own BMW 2002 though, so kind of knows why it meant so much to me. Her son James, also runs an E30 318is I sourced so it's a family thing I guess!"
Group A spec mods on the wishlist
"I have heard the odd comment from people who said they simply didn't get the E30 M3 and my first drive of one was also a bit disappointing. It wasn't the car that was the problem though, it was my driving style. You need to really take the M3 by the scruff of the neck. It's like a quick Mk2 Escort in that respect."
Things I love:
"When I finally drove home from Ireland in my very own M3 it was everything I'd hoped it would be, and then some. The sound from the DTM air box is pretty addictive and every word written about the M3's handling is true. You wring its neck, get it moving underneath you, then it just comes alive. It looks like it shouldn't be quick, with oversteer galore, but it just is. It all feels so intuitive.
"I think that's why people love rear-wheel drive cars of this era. They're just so entertaining to watch and, combined with that noise, it's just an awesome combination. I feel like a kid when I drive the M3 and it's just so much fun. I love the reaction when kids see it too and hearing their dads tell them what it is. Corny as it sounds cars like these need to be seen and heard, not stuck away in the garage as an investment. We owe it to the next generations of petrolheads (sorry, PHers!) to let them see what these cars are about. They need to be inspired into wanting their own some day!"
Compomotive wheels for period look
"The worst thing about owning an E30 M3 is the money thing. It's either the cost of the parts, or the fact that the value is the next question after 'is it real?' I have been known to say it's a 316 with a bodykit. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm very fortunate to own a car that is getting more valuable each month. That said, if it was only worth a couple of thousand pounds, it would still be the car I love owning and driving. The value simply doesn't come into it. I did a track day at Llandow a couple of months back and some folk said I was mad. I was using it for the exact thing it was designed and built for though! Putting it in a heated garage and looking at it on Sundays would actually be the mad thing to do with it.
"The only thing I would change about my M3 is I'd like the engine built to Group A spec. It currently has about 230-240hp which is plenty fun enough but 300+ would be better. I'm saving for Schrick cams and a four-branch exhaust manifold but modifying an S14 ain't cheap! I guess that's why some folk fit the later six-pot instead? Personally I think that robs the M3 of its soul though. The M3 was designed to have a screamer under the bonnet and it's that which gives it its unique character. 8,000rpm and a carbon airbox give a sound I'll simply never tire of. You have to work the S14 to get the best from it and the M3's chassis is the same."
'M3 tax' on parts prices only real bugbear
"As well as decent roads I also have both Rally Prep and Avers Racing on my door step, so there's no shortage of expertise to help keep my M3 in top form. There are also specialists like C3, who own and drive M3s and are happy to offer advice when it's needed. In fact, there are more than a few E30 M3 owners here in Cornwall. I guess that's why Chris Harris brought his down here for conversion to a full rally weapon
"I have changed the wheels. They're Compomotive THs and they made them specifically for the M3. It had BBS splits when I bought it, but they've been done to death and I wanted something competition inspired. It runs 235/40 front and 245/40 rear tyres, thanks to the arches being modified by Hamann Motorsport. They bought the car new and it was their development car. It was also on their stand at the Munich Motor Show in 1990 and 1991."
Mark very much believes in using as intended
"I'm fortunate living in Cornwall - we are blessed with some great roads. Cape Cornwall and the drive from Hayle to Lands End is absolutely awesome. Especially just after sunrise in the summer when the the S14 has no other ambient sound to compete with. Sometimes I just can't believe how a humble E30 can just defy physics and corner the way it does. Added to which the performance is just so accessible and you don't need to be doing warp speed to enjoy it. The one thing I do miss down here though is tunnels. Who doesn't like giving it the beans in a tunnel?"
What next?
"This year should see me finish my E21 resto-mod project, which will become my daily driver, but I won't be selling the M3. It's taken way too long to get the one I wanted and I simply couldn't think of anything I'd want more. It's not a coincidence that the market for these cars is so strong and that demand far outweighs supply. Next year I plan to do some speed events like Crystal Palace. I may also grow up, but I doubt it. Life is too short by far, so it would be foolish not to follow your dreams."
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
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